Winning Together: Dr. Noah St. John Of SuccessClinic.com On How Strategic Partnerships Can Unlock New Sales Opportunities
An Interview With Chad Silverstein
Miscommunication ruins partnerships. Be upfront about roles, responsibilities, and success metrics. If you don’t define the terms, assumptions will cause problems later.
Strategic partnerships have the potential to unlock growth and create new opportunities in ways that businesses can’t achieve alone. To explore this important topic, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Noah St. John from SuccessClinic.com
NOAH ST. JOHN, PhD is known worldwide as The Father of AFFORMATIONS® and Creator of The 12-Week Breakthrough. Working with Hollywood celebrities, 8- and 9-figure CEOs, professional athletes, top executives and elite entrepreneurs, Dr. Noah is famous for helping his coaching clients make more in just 12 weeks than they did in the previous 12 months, while winning their lives back. He has appeared in over 1,000 media outlets including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, The Hallmark Channel, Entrepreneur, Selling Power, The Jenny McCarthy Show and SUCCESS Magazine. Discover how Dr. Noah can help you have more money, more time, and more meaning at BreakthroughwithNoah.com.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I grew up poor in a rich neighborhood. I know that sounds like the setup to a bad joke, but it was my real life. My family didn’t have much money, but I was surrounded by kids whose parents were doctors, lawyers, and successful business owners. I got to see wealth up close, but I didn’t have access to it. And as a kid, that was confusing.
I started wondering: Why are some people successful while others struggle — even when they have the same opportunities? That question led me on a decades-long journey, studying personal growth, psychology, and business success. I read every book, attended every seminar, and tried every “success formula” out there.
But there was a problem. A lot of the advice didn’t work for me, or for many people I talked to. That’s when, in 1997, I discovered something that changed everything: Afformations®. It was a simple but powerful shift in the way we ask ourselves questions that rewires the brain for success. That discovery led me to create Power Habits®, a system that helps people achieve success automatically.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve written 25 books, built multiple seven-figure businesses, and helped clients add over $3 billion in new revenue. I teach entrepreneurs and leaders how to break through the mental barriers holding them back and install success habits that actually work.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began working with partnerships or collaborations?
One of the most interesting collaborations I’ve had was when I landed a six-figure book deal with HarperCollins for my second book, The Secret Code of Success.
At the time, I wasn’t a household name. I had written one book and had some traction, but I wasn’t exactly on every publisher’s radar. I knew I had a powerful message, but I also knew I needed the right connections to get it out there in a big way.
That’s when a friend introduced me to an agent who had strong relationships in the publishing industry. He believed in my work and helped me refine my pitch. When we presented The Secret Code of Success to HarperCollins, they saw the potential right away and made an offer. It was a six-figure deal, which, at that time in my career, was a game changer.
That collaboration opened doors to media opportunities, speaking engagements, and partnerships I wouldn’t have had otherwise. It proved something I’ve seen over and over again. You can have the best ideas in the world, but without the right relationships, those ideas can stay stuck. That’s why partnerships and collaborations create opportunities that would be nearly impossible to reach on your own.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Three traits that have been instrumental to my success are persistence, adaptability, and strategic action.
First, persistence. When I first started sharing Afformations®, no one knew what they were. I had to keep pushing, educating, and proving that my method worked. Now, it’s helped millions of people worldwide and has been featured in over 1,000 media outlets.
Second, adaptability. When the market changes, you have to adjust. For example, my book The 7-Figure Expert is getting a second edition because the business landscape has evolved. Instead of resisting, I embrace change to stay relevant.
Third, strategic action. My HarperCollins book deal didn’t happen by luck. I found the right agent, positioned my book effectively, and landed a six-figure deal.
Let’s now jump to the focus of our interview. What does a “strategic partnership” mean to you, and why do you think it’s such an essential part of sales growth today?
A strategic partnership is when two businesses work together in a way that benefits both sides. The key is finding partners who complement what you do, not compete with it.
Strategic partnerships are essential for sales growth today because they give you access to new audiences, credibility, and resources you wouldn’t have on your own. When done right, they shorten the sales cycle and create opportunities that would take years to build alone.
How do you go about identifying potential partners that align with your business goals? Are there specific qualities or traits you look for in a partnership?
I look for three key factors when identifying potential partners: alignment, audience, and execution. First, alignment: The partner’s values, mission, and goals need to match mine. If we’re not on the same page, the partnership won’t last.
Second, audience: Their audience should complement mine. If we serve the same type of people in different but compatible ways, it’s a strong fit.
Third, execution: A great idea is worthless without follow-through. I look for partners who, like me, take action and deliver results.
What steps do you take to build trust and ensure that a partnership will be mutually beneficial for both sides?
Trust isn’t built overnight. It comes from consistent actions, clear communication, and shared wins.
Before I commit to a partnership, I look at track record. Have they followed through on past collaborations? Do they have a reputation for integrity? If someone has burned multiple partners before, chances are they’ll do it again.
I also believe in starting small. Instead of jumping into a big deal, I test things out with a smaller project or a joint promotion. This gives both sides a chance to see if we work well together.
Can you share a specific example of a strategic partnership you were involved in? How did it come about, and what impact did it have on your business?
For years, I dreamed of becoming a Nightingale-Conant author. Growing up, I listened to their programs from legends like Stephen Covey and Neale Donald Walsch. Their work shaped my understanding of success, so I set a goal to one day publish with them.
It didn’t happen overnight. I kept building my brand, publishing books, and proving my methods worked. Eventually, I got the opportunity to pitch my Power Habits® System to their team. They saw the value, and that led to my first bestselling audio program with them. Later, I published a second audio program and my book Power Habits under their label.
This partnership gave me access to a massive audience of high-level achievers who were already invested in personal growth. It also solidified my credibility alongside some of the biggest names in the industry.
What role does communication play in maintaining a strong, long-lasting partnership? Are there particular practices or tools you use to keep everyone aligned and engaged?
I’ve found that clear expectations upfront prevent most problems. Both sides need to know their roles, responsibilities, and what success looks like. I make sure to have those conversations early.
I also believe in regular check-ins. A quick email, call, or Zoom meeting keeps things on track and ensures there are no surprises. Small issues don’t turn into big problems when you address them early.
Finally, I value direct, honest feedback. If something isn’t working, I don’t wait to bring it up. Partnerships thrive when both sides feel heard and respected.
Let’s now focus on actionable strategies. Based on your experience, can you share “5 Steps to Create Strategic Partnerships That Drive Sales Growth”? If you can, please share examples or stories for each.
- Identify the Right Partners
Look for businesses that complement, not compete with yours. The best partners serve the same audience but in a different way.
Example: When I partnered with Nightingale-Conant, they already had a customer base interested in personal growth. My Power Habits® System was a perfect fit for their audience, making it a win-win. - Start with Value
Before asking for anything, offer something useful — an introduction, a resource, or a small collaboration. This builds goodwill and trust.
Example: When I pitched my book The Secret Code of Success to HarperCollins, I didn’t just say, “Publish my book.” I showed them how my work could benefit their readers and generate sales. - Set Clear Expectations
Miscommunication ruins partnerships. Be upfront about roles, responsibilities, and success metrics. If you don’t define the terms, assumptions will cause problems later.
Example: When I work with affiliates or joint venture partners, we agree in writing on the commission structure, timelines, and promotional efforts. That way, everyone is on the same page. - Test the Waters Before Going Big
Instead of jumping into a long-term deal, start with a small project or a trial run. If it works, you can expand. If not, you can walk away without a big loss.
Example: Before committing to a full product launch with a new marketing partner, I often test a small webinar or email promotion to see how well our audiences respond. - Communicate and Optimize
A great partnership isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. Check in regularly, adjust as needed, and look for new ways to create value together.
Example: My most successful partnerships involve ongoing communication, whether it’s a quick call or a monthly check-in. The stronger the relationship, the bigger the long-term results.
What advice would you give to smaller companies or startups that may not have the resources or networks of larger businesses but want to start building strategic partnerships?
Start where you are and focus on what you can offer. Even if you’re a small company, you have something valuable — expertise, a niche audience, or a unique solution. Look for businesses that complement yours and start with a small collaboration, like a joint webinar or cross-promotion. Lead with value instead of asking for something upfront. If you don’t have a large network, use warm introductions or referrals. The key is consistency.
How do you handle challenges or conflicts that may arise in a partnership to ensure that the relationship stays strong and productive?
I address challenges early before they become bigger problems. Clear communication is key. If an issue comes up, I have a direct conversation to find a solution that works for both sides. I also focus on the long-term relationship rather than short-term wins. If a partnership isn’t working despite efforts to fix it, I’m not afraid to walk away. The best partnerships are built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to success.
Can you share a surprising or unexpected lesson you learned from a past partnership?
One surprising lesson I learned is that not every great opportunity is the right opportunity. Early in my career, I partnered with a well-known brand, thinking their credibility would skyrocket my business. Instead, I found myself in a deal where our values and vision didn’t align. It taught me that partnerships should be about more than just name recognition. If the fit isn’t right, no amount of exposure or prestige will make it work. Now, I focus on alignment first, knowing that the right partnerships create far better results in the long run.
What trends or changes are you seeing in how businesses approach strategic partnerships, and how do you think this will evolve in the coming years?
Businesses are shifting toward collaboration over competition. More companies are leveraging partnerships to expand their reach, share audiences, and co-create value. I’m also seeing a rise in tech-driven partnerships, where businesses integrate software, AI, or automation to enhance customer experiences.
Moving forward, partnerships will be more data-driven and results-focused. Companies will expect clear ROI, trackable metrics, and deeper alignment in values and mission. Those who build authentic, win-win relationships will have the biggest advantage as the market becomes more interconnected.
In your opinion, how do strategic partnerships impact not just sales, but a company’s reputation, relationships, and long-term growth?
Strategic partnerships shape your reputation and open doors that wouldn’t be available otherwise. The right partnerships put you in front of new audiences, build trust faster, and create opportunities for growth beyond just revenue. They also strengthen relationships within your industry, making it easier to collaborate on future projects. A strong partnership can have a ripple effect, leading to more visibility, credibility, and long-term success.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would inspire more companies to embrace collaboration and partnerships, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would start a movement focused on helping businesses shift from a scarcity mindset to a collaboration mindset. Too many companies see others as competition when, in reality, the right partnerships create more opportunities for everyone.
This movement would highlight real-world success stories of companies that grew faster, reached more people, and created bigger impact by working together. It would also provide a framework for businesses to find, build, and sustain partnerships that actually work.
When businesses stop trying to do everything alone, they grow faster, serve better, and create lasting success.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Readers can find me at BookNoah.com for more resources on business growth and success habits. They can also follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for daily insights and strategies.
Successful entrepreneurs think differently. Want to know how you measure up? Get your free customized Inner Game Scorecard at PowerHabits.com.
This was great. Thank you so much for the time you spent sharing with us.
You’re welcome!
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein is a seasoned entrepreneur and Thought Leader with over 25 years of business experience. He has founded, operated, and exited multiple companies and now builds into a handful of high impact CEOs. Chad has launched multiple online communities, including a recent leadership development platform, and also serves as a strategic advisor for Authority Magazine’s thought-leader incubator program. To learn more and connect with Chad visit: chadsilverstein.io
Winning Together: Dr Noah St John On How Strategic Partnerships Can Unlock Ne was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.